Veterinary Council of India is a statutory body established under the Indian Veterinary Council Act 1984. It receives 100 % grants–in–aid from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India to meet the cost of running the offices of the Council. Central government vide Gazette notification dated 2nd August, 1989, first constituted the Veterinary Council of India by nominating the Members of the Council as per provisions of section 3 of the Act.

VCI is charged with the responsibilities of making provision for the regulation of veterinary practice and for that purpose, regulate the standards of veterinary education, preparation and maintenance of an Indian Veterinary Practitioners' Register, Electoral Roll for election of members under section 3(3)(g), recommend for recognition or withdrawal of recognition of veterinary  qualifications to the central government and matters connected therewith and ancillary thereto.